June 26, 2017 at 3:53 p.m.
Cool runnings: More than 200 hit the streets for Hodag Run for Your Life
Cool runnings: More than 200 hit the streets for Hodag Run for Your Life
By Kayla Thomason-
Mel Houg, president of the Hodag Run committee, was pleased to see so many runners on the starting line on a less than ideal morning.
"There was a nice increase from last year and we hope that's from the change of route and I think they're going to like the run out to Pine Lake, it's really scenic and a nice view," she said, adding that the YMCA is very grateful for the strong support it receives from the community.
"The community programs are a huge thing for Rhinelander, especially the YMCA and all they have to offer," she said.
The runners took in different sights this year as the route was altered to limit the number of city streets that have to be closed, organizers said.
Although it didn't exactly feel like a summer day, Houg noted the cooler weather would be easier for the runners to handle than blazing heat.
"The weather, actually for a runner that is running a half marathon, it's better than the 90 degrees and sun beating down on you," she said.
Sean Schmidt placed third in the half marathon in his first Hodag Run.
"It was really nice, the weather was great today, nice and cool, keep my body temperature down," he said. "I'm more of a trail guy but even running on the road today was real nice. It's a great turnout, a lot of great friendly people and it's a great day to run today."
It was a plus that the Hodag Run benefits the YMCA, Schmidt added.
"I think that's really great," he said. "YMCAs are a great thing for the community, kids, adults the elderly can go there and workout."
Ben Monk ran the 10K, and was pleased with the new course.
"The weather was great, it was actually like the perfect 10K," he said. "I liked it, it's kind of part of being in the Northwoods to actually get out and be in the woods and not in the middle of town so you get that feel of doing a Hodag Run versus any old run because it feels like the Northwoods."
Monk finished third overall in 10K and first in his age bracket.
"I'm psyched," he said. "I'm not really a speed runner, I really didn't think I'd come in third so for me it's a win."
He loves that the run benefits the YMCA as he is a regular visitor there and loves the programming.
Monk's wife, Katelyn, celebrated her birthday by running the half marathon.
Rosemary Bleers ran the 5K and enjoy the view of Boom Lake.
"It was fun, I liked running along the lake and I liked how you had so many supporters along the way," she said.
"It was nice, definitely a great area to do runs, be cool to see some on your trails too," she said.
Bleers was pleased that the proceeds went to the YMCA of the Northwoods.
"That's great, they do a lot for the community and they have a lot of programs for the kids," she said.
There were 129 5K runners, nine 5K stroller participants, 50 10K runners and 43 half-marathon runners for a total of 231 participants.
Overall 5K winners were Jared Zwettler with a time of 16:49, Chad Blumenschein with a time of 18:41 and Jacob Weddle with a time of 18:54.
Overall 5K strollers were Justin Riley with a time of 22:30, Dan Skeen with a time of 24:30 and Megan Cleereman with a time of 35:40.
Overall 10K winners were Brian Rodenberg with a time of 42:22, Alanna Benaszeski with a time of 43:24 and Benjamin Monk with a time of 47:57.
Overall half-marathoners were Larry Lapachin with a time of 1:24:08, Kyle Rogers with a time of 1:27:24 and Sean Schmidt with a time of 1:32:56.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
Comments:
You must login to comment.